Assistant Controller

Who We Are:

National Louis is a 135+ year old university that has been grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity from its inception. As an institution, we believe in providing access to educational opportunity and that education is our greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community that is committed to continuous improvement and superior student service. We believe that through education we are able to empower change and build healthy communities. Our hard-working community is based on collaboration and respect for all team members and students.

What We Offer:

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Benefits.

What You Will Do:

The Assistant Controller is responsible for providing oversight, guidance and coordination for several areas of the University including General Accounting, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, and Treasury functions. This position will also encompass providing financial planning/management and disseminating financial reports, statements and results, maintaining and coordinating university insurance policies, monitoring investment performance, and managing the external audit process. The Assistant Controller will communicate and present to upper management and the Board of Trustees on various university financial activities.

Overseeing the month-end close. This involves 1) review and approval of journal entries 2) responsibility for the timely reconciliation of accounts 3) responsible for the credit card closing process including the upload of financial information as well as ensuring all card holders are maintaining compliance with policy 4) preparation of accruals 5) preparation of financial statements.
• Manages Treasury functions, including daily cash balancing, cash management, wire transfers, tax payments, capital financing and maintenance of the compliance with the University's debt covenants.
• Manage the Accounts Payable function including performing a check run review to ensure all disbursement controls are in place and financial information is accurate, ensuring that all disbursements are done within Policies set by the University and communicating with stakeholders from the University on an as needed basis.
• Assist the Controller in managing the external audit, 990 and CYEFR filing processes, including the dialogue with the auditors, filling their requests and answering their questions.
• Oversee technology needs as it relates to the Finance department including but not limited to 1) System upgrade testing 2) Oversee technology projects as they arise including the conversion of paper-based procedures to paperless procedures 3) Year-end roll forward procedures
• Maintain compliance with State and City of Chicago sales tax laws by filing monthly sales tax reports and performing research of State and City of Chicago laws as new activities arise within the University.
• Manages the insurance renewal process, the selection of insurance carriers and monitoring of policy coverages.
• Maintains files for and issues 1099 forms at the end of each year and maintaining compliance with IRS regulations in regards to disbursements to individuals and businesses.
• All other duties as assigned.

The working conditions for the position are those of a typical office environment. In this regard, the conditions involve phone calls, interruptions from staff and other departments and meetings with internal and external constituents. Occasional travel to the Chicago campus.

• Bachelor's degree in Business or Finance required.
• 5+ years related experience.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting and business knowledge of rules and regulations.
• General knowledge of Microsoft Applications.
• Experience working in Higher Ed or not-for-profit institutions.
• CPA preferred.
• Analytical Thinking: Breaks down problems and issues into sub-components and then assesses the costs, benefits and risks of various options prior to selecting a particular approach.
• Customer Focus: Personally, demonstrates that external (or internal) customers are a high priority. Identifies customer needs and expectations and responds to them in a timely and effective manner. Anticipates and prevents delays or other things that can adversely affect the customer. Keeps customers informed about the status of pending actions and inquiries about customer satisfaction with products or services.
• Managing Multiple Projects: Handles multiple assignments and priorities yet still fulfills all commitments. Readily accepts new responsibilities and adapts well to changes in procedures. Gives appropriate priorities to various work demands.

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.